NEWBORN.  Puppies are born with eyes and ears closed.  They have a long tail and dew claws.  Dew claws are removed at 3 days.

2 WEEKS.  Eyes and ears open at this time.  This is a very important time for the pup to develop human bonding, when they can first see you.  Eyes appear blue when they first open.

4 WEEKS.  Puppies start eating solid food between 3 and 4 weeks of age.  They are started on oral Ivomec (controls internal and external parasites) at 3 weeks, given once a week for 5 weeks.  Starting to get coordination and eyes darken in color.  The pup's personality is continuing to develop.

6 WEEKS.  Time to wean puppies from mother at 6 to 7 weeks of age, a very stressful time for puppies, they need extra bonding from humans.  They are given Albon mixed with liquid vitamins for a few days to help their appetite and control any possible bacteria or Coccidia.  Playing and interacting with litter-mates and humans continues.

8 WEEKS.  First shot is given, one-half dose of "The Puppy Shot" by Fort Dodge (DURAMUNE Max 5-CvK). And one drop in each nostril of Canine Parainfluenza-Bordetella Bronchisepica Vaccine ( to prevent kennel cough). Puppies can be adopted out at this time, we choose to keep them until older.

10 WEEKS.  Puppies are weighed.  The weight is doubled with one-half pound added to determine approximate adult weight.

12 WEEKS.  Puppies weighed again and weight is doubled to determine approximate adult weight.  Second shot is given, one-half dose of "The Puppy Shot" by Fort Dodge (DURAMUNE Max 5-CvK). And one drop in each nostril of Canine Parainfluenza-Bordetella Bronchisepica Vaccine ( to prevent kennel cough).

16 WEEKS.  Third and last shot is given, one-half dose of "The Puppy Shot" by Fort Dodge (DURAMUNE Max 5-CvK). And another drop in each nostril of Canine Parainfluenza-Bordetella Bronchisepica Vaccine ( to prevent kennel cough).   Will need this shot again in one year form this date. Puppy is done with the kennel cough vaccine. Rabies shot can be given at any time

Shetland Sheepdog